6 Nov 2024·Scotland Office·Answered
AskedWhat assessment he has made of the potential impact of increases in the duty on non-draught alcohol on levels of employment in the scotch whisky industry.
ReplyDespite the previous government increasing duty by 10.1%, the Scotch Whisky industry employs 11,000 people directly in Scotland, 7,000 of whom work in rural areas. In addition, the industry supports a further 42,000 jobs across the UK, 36,000 of which are...
6 Nov 2024·Scotland Office·Answered
AskedWhat assessment he has made of the potential impact of the increase in alcohol duty on scotch whisky exports.
Reply90% of Scotch Whisky is already exported and therefore pays no duty. Increases on duty are in line with inflation and under the previous Government, duty was increased by 10.1% following the duty review.
6 Nov 2024·Scotland Office·Answered
AskedWhat discussions he has had with the scotch whisky industry on barriers to business.
ReplyI meet regularly with the Scotch Whisky industry, and am pleased we can work closely on a range of shared priorities to support growth in the sector.
6 Nov 2024·Scotland Office·Answered
AskedWhat steps he is taking to promote (a) Scotch whisky exports and (b) other Scottish exports.
ReplyThe recent budget saw the Scotland Office awarded 750 thousand pounds to expand its international trade activities and establish the Brand Scotland initiative.Brand Scotland funding will support industry via trade missions, projects delivered by the overs...
6 Nov 2024·Department of Health and Social Care·Answered
AskedWhat assessment he has made of the impact of the proposed increase in national insurance contributions on general practices in Scotland.
ReplyWe have taken necessary decisions to fix the foundations in the public finances at Autumn Budget 2024, which enabled the Spending Review settlement of a £22.6 billion increase in resource spending for the Department from 2023/24 outturn to 2025/26. The e...
4 Nov 2024·Department for Energy Security and Net Zero·Answered
AskedWhat assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the judgement in UKSC 2022/0064 on the remaining (a) oil and (b) gas licence applications made under the 33rd licensing roun
ReplyThe Supreme Court's Finch judgment relates to Environmental Impact Assessments associated with applications for development consent for offshore oil and gas projects that have already secured a licence. On October 30th the Government launched a consultati...
4 Nov 2024·Department for Energy Security and Net Zero·Answered
AskedWhat steps his Department is taking to incorporate the judgement in UKSC 2022/0064 into the decision-making process for oil and gas licences.
ReplyThe Supreme Court's Finch judgment relates to Environmental Impact Assessments associated with applications for development consent for offshore oil and gas projects that have already secured a licence. On 30 October the Government launched a consultation...
4 Nov 2024·Department for Energy Security and Net Zero·Answered
AskedWhat estimate his Department has made of the number of pending (a) oil and (b) gas licence applications delayed due to the judgement in UKSC 2022/0064.
ReplyThe Government does not expect the Finch judgement to delay licence applications because it relates to Environmental Impact Assessments associated with applications for development consent for offshore oil and gas projects that have already secured a lice...
4 Nov 2024·Department for Energy Security and Net Zero·Answered
AskedHow many (a) oil and (b) gas licence applications made under the 33rd licensing round are yet to be determined.
ReplyThe North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) has paused considering any further licences from the 33rd round pending the finalisation of the Governments consultation process into the future of licensing.
4 Nov 2024·Department for Energy Security and Net Zero·Answered
AskedWhen his Department expects the North Sea Transition Authority to publish decisions on the remaining (a) oil and (b) gas licence applications made under the 33rd licensing round.
ReplyThe North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) has paused considering any further licences from the 33rd round pending the finalisation of the Governments consultation process into the future of licensing.
29 Oct 2024·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat definition his Department uses of Sovereign Capability.
ReplyThis Government is committed to bringing forward a Defence Industrial Strategy which ensures the imperatives of national security and a high-growth economy are aligned. As part of the strategy it is expected the categorisation of sovereign production capa...
29 Oct 2024·Department for Energy Security and Net Zero·Answered
AskedWhat steps he is taking to support (a) advanced reactors, (b) nuclear fusion and (c) other innovation in nuclear technology.
ReplyAdvanced Modular Reactors have the potential to help tackle hard-to-abate emissions in energy intensive industries. The Government continues to fund research and innovation to develop High Temperature Gas Reactor technology and their advanced fuels throug...
28 Oct 2024·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·Answered
AskedFood and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the environmental impact of consumers shopping locally; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact on net zero targets if consumers are unab
ReplyThe Secretary of State recognises the importance of consumers having access to local shops for environmental sustainability and for supporting net zero goals. The Secretary of State, Defra Ministers and officials meet regularly with retailers where discus...
28 Oct 2024·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·Answered
AskedFood and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to support farmers to increase the (a) volume and (b) variety of fruit and vegetables they produce.
ReplyThe Government appreciates and values the vital work of the horticulture industry and recognises its role in maintaining a secure food supply. As part of our mission-driven government, and in partnership with the sector, we are considering how best to su...
28 Oct 2024·Department for Education·Answered
AskedWhether she is taking steps with Cabinet colleagues to support collaboration between local businesses and schools on work experience and apprenticeship placements in rural areas.
ReplyThe department wants to support all young people to access education and training opportunities, to break down the barriers to opportunity and support economic growth.That is why young people in rural areas can benefit from the high quality training that ...
28 Oct 2024·Treasury·Answered
AskedIf she will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the /25 Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Rates Relief scheme into 2025/26.
ReplyAt Autumn Budget 2024, the government announced that Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) relief will be extended for 2025-26 at 40% up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business.
28 Oct 2024·Treasury·Answered
AskedWhat steps she is taking to improve access to cash in rural areas.
ReplyThe Government recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses. The most recent data from the Financial Condu...
28 Oct 2024·Treasury·Answered
AskedIf she will make an estimate of the potential impact on the economy of raising the threshold of Rural Rates Relief above the rateable value of (a) £8,500 for (i) village general stores, (ii) food shops and (iii) pos
ReplyRural Rate Relief aims to ensure that key amenities are available, and community assets protected in rural areas. It provides 100% rate relief for properties that are based in eligible rural areas with populations below 3,000. To be eligible, the business...
25 Oct 2024·Treasury·Answered
AskedIf she will make an assessment of the potential merits of a ring-fenced, multi-annual improved funding settlement for the agricultural sector.
ReplyThe first phase of the Spending Review 2025, which concluded alongside Autumn Budget 2024, has set budgets for 24-25 and 25-26. As agricultural policy is devolved, it is for the Devolved Governments to allocate their funding as they choose. This is a key ...
24 Oct 2024·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedPursuant to the oral answer of 14 October 2024 from the Minister for Veterans and People, Official Report, column 574, if he will clarify what the correct (a) welfare and (b) legal support are for veterans that a
ReplyThe Government recognises the important service of veterans and serving personnel and the sacrifices they made to keep us all safe in Northern Ireland during the troubles. We will provide any former or current member of the Armed Forces involved in legal ...